Alex Gault - Red Bull Selection - August 2006

This was billed as the chance of a life time, a chance for any kid to race at the top level not dependant on the depth of their fathers pocket, Alex was very excited when he was told he had made it into the final 200 places from the 1100 entrants.

A lucky shot as I couldn’t see who I was photographing  from the top of the stands, Alex 108 with friend Alex Heaton 109 as they took to the track for  their 15 min. test.

We were successful in raising the funds necessary to make the journey to Valencia in Spain and our thanks go out to Mick H, Stuart T, Trevor B, Chris C., Uncle William & Aunty Gillian & Aunty Gillians’ Granny. David T. and the anonymous man who said, “I can’t afford much but perhaps this will help” as he put £10 in my hand today.

Don’t know who he is but that gesture meant a lot too me as I know how much that ten pounds meant to him!

Now before we set off and indeed before filling in the application form we were led to believe that Red Bull / Organisers were looking for the full package, Bit of history, style, speed, personality etc. etc. It came as a shock when it went only down to lap times!

How are you supposed to compete, on a strange track, on a strange Bike set up for light riders in only 8 laps???? Now I know that might sound a bit sour, after all Alex didn’t get through to the final stage but I’d say a just observation.

Big Rider???? Big Track Little Bike

Big Rider???? Big track Little bike, test was set out to favour smaller riders! In the quest for the next Pedrosa

That was what it boiled down too, no history, no interview solely down to lap times.

I suppose I am a bit bitter, Alex was devastated he didn’t get through, I on the other hand am glad now, as it reminded me of lessons learnt.

If Alex had got in I could not have done him justice, I could not afford to have made him competitive in this FREE???? Championship and when all is said and done he was just not what the organisers were looking for.

If I’d have known that it was only going to be down to lap times or not to bother if you were over 5’2” or 7 stone, I’d have saved the money and put it too next years racing!

Come to think of it I signed that many wavers, I probably shouldn’t have said that!